1859 Indian Head Penny Value

First year of issue the 1859 Indian head penny value remains high due to collector demand.

Your coin may be worn, the design somewhat faded, however today it is needed by many who are assembling collections of Indian pennies.

When deciding on value, special attention is placed on condition. Examples displaying greater detail become very desirable and command a strong premium.

To the right is an exceptional and rare 1859 penny, never circulated, still bright copper red as the day of minting. Value is in excess of $265 with steady demand.

Assuring its popularity because of its uniqueness, the reverse design was changed the following year resulting in the 1859 cent as a one year design type.

1859 Indian Head Penny Value

Condition of Coin

Date

Good

Fine

ExtremelyFine

Uncirculated

1859 Indian Head Penny Value Updated

2018

1859

$11

$21

$92

$265

1859 Pennies are a One Year Type

Your 1859 penny is distinct and separate from the following years, the reverse design is very different. As a one year type coin the 1859 Indian head penny value is strong, it is a major addition to any collection.

Your coin's reverse features a Laurel wreath surrounding "One Cent" tied at the bottom with a ribbon.

The following year 1860 and for the rest is the Indian penny series an oak wreath was featured. Additionally, a shield was placed at the top and three arrows were added and tied to the base of the wreath with a ribbon.

Your coin because of its one of a kind status is a collection all to itself.

Value Found in Accurate Grading

Judging the state of preservation of your coin is known as "grading" by dealers and collectors. How well it survived and the amount of wear determines value. Noticeable features separate the varying degrees of possible wear, the differences are highlighted below. By comparing your coin to the images and determining its grade you can find the accurate 1859 Indian head penny value on the chart.

Uncirculated: Desirable because no wear is affecting the surfaces. This penny despite its age is in like new condition. Toning may appear as a dark redness and brown, however no parts of the design have been worn from contact. With a magnifying glass examine her cheek and the tips of the feathers for wear. Minting imparts a certain grain to the surfaces of coins, wear can appear as a somewhat glossy or smooth area and sometimes with dullness to the area.

Extremely Fine: Sharply defined describes this grade. You have to look close to find the small amount of wear present on the hair just above the ear. Notice a slight flattening to the cheek below her eye, and the ribbon trailing below her headdress. Overall a nice coin with a pleasing appearance.

Fine: Wear has merged the hairline and headband and continues down the neckline smoothing the ribbon and hair curl where they meet. A positive is the major details of the feathers show and each feather is separated from the next. Clearly a coin that has seen moderate wear but still has some sharpness.

Good: Heavy wear has reduced the portrait to almost a flat silhouette. The headband and hair above the eye are no longer separated, hair curls along her neck and ribbon are merged. Despite its worn appearance Indian head pennies in this condition are very popular.

Coin Values | CoinStudy Articles

The value of an Indian Penny is...One dollar to 2 dollars for common dates. With many advanced collectors pursuing Indian pennies the rare dates are rapidly moving higher in value. Better condition coins are especially sought. Your box of old coins has never been more valuable.